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Home Remedies: 5 Step Plan to Minimize the Appearance of Varicose and Spider Veins

Large, swollen, twisting and bulging blue and purple varicose veins and extensive clusters of tiny red spider veins are unsightly. They can also be painful and indicative of certain medical conditions that may require the attention of a healthcare professional. The following self-care home remedies are intended to improve the general appearance of legs and are not intended to address any health-related issues that may be associated with varicose or spider veins.

Step 1 - Exfoliate or Shave Legs

Exfoliating. As part of an overall skin care program, it is important to exfoliate on a regular basis. Exfoliating is essential in helping moisturizers to become more effectively absorbed into the skin. A good quality body scrub is recommended. Exfoliation can be skipped if you will shave your legs, as shaving has the same effect as exfoliating.

Shaving. Keeping your legs hair and stubble-free and smooth is important to the appearance of your legs, as well as to your self-image. Be sure to use a shaving oil, gel or cream and a good-quality razor to prevent ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs cause little red bumps and are unattractive.

Step 2 - Use Horse Chestnut Supplements or Cream

About Horse Chestnut Herbal Supplements. Horse chestnut, taken internally in the form of herbal supplements, has been clinically shown to be effective in treating chronic varicose vein disease or syndrome. Although generally considered safe if taken in the recommended dosages by individuals who are in good health and not taking certain drugs or medications, horse chestnut can be toxic, has been associated with certain side-effects and should not be used internally (and in some cases not even topically) by individuals who have certain medical conditions or who are taking certain drugs or medications, including NSAIDs and blood thinners. Such persons are advised to seek the advise of their healthcare professional. For more information on horse chestnut medicinal uses and cautions, please click here.

Horse Chestnut Cream. Cremes containing horse chestnut extract and other herbs, have been found to help some individuals reduce the appearance of varicose and spider veins. Horse chestnut creams, which are only applied topically, are generally considered to be safe for use by healthy individuals. However, people with certain medical conditions (including but not limited to liver or kidney disease) are generally advised to avoid horse chestnut in any form, including using the creme topically.

How to Use. After exfoliating or shaving and drying your legs, apply horse chestnut cream to the areas of your legs where you have varicose and spider veins. Gently massage the cream into these areas. Reapply the cream 1-2 more times throughout the day and before bedtime, or as directed.

Step 3 - Apply Self-Tanning Cream

Blue, purple and red varicose and spider veins are significantly more noticeable in untanned, white legs. Use a self-tanning cream on a regular basis to keep your legs nicely bronzed. Self-tanning creams and lotions work best if applied after exfoliation or shaving, but should not be applied at the same time as the horse chestnut cream. Alternate applications of the self-tanning cream with the horse chestnut cream are recommended.

Step 4 - Elevate Your Legs

Elevate your legs on a daily basis, preferably several times a day, and as often as possible, even if for relatively short periods of time. Elevating your legs takes the pressure off the veins and is widely accepted as a natural treatment for vein health.

Step 5 - Wear Support or Compression Stockings

Wearing properly fitting, good quality support or compression stockings is also widely accepted as a natural, conservative treatment for varicose and spider veins. When selecting a hosiery color, choose darker colors as darker colors hide the varicose and spider veins the best.

Disclaimer: Nothing in this Article is intended or should be construed as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content herein is for informational purposes only. You should consult with and seek the advise of a physician or qualified health professional before taking any supplements, herbs or over-the-counter medicine; modifying, restricting or altering your food, beverage or supplement intake; starting an exercise or diet program; or making any dietary, nutritional, exercise or lifestyle changes in order to determine it is right and advisable for your individual needs.